Renting 101: Everything you need to know about your next place to live

Renting 101

By Alexis Andreopoulos

Moving out. These are two very scary words when you’re a college student who is used to living in the dorms and eating at the dining hall every day. Moving into your first college apartment is a big step toward being an actual adult, but a huge step up from your tiny dorm room. There’s a lot that goes into finding the perfect apartment, so here are some tips and information to make sure you find the right fit.

What is a lease?

Growing up is scary, and looking at legal documents is even scarier. A lease is a legally binding document you sign and agree to honor when you find the apartment or house you’re ready to rent.

A lease provides the following:-A description of the rental property
-Names of the tenants who will be living with you
-Duration of lease
-Renewal process
-Security deposits, fees and rent payments
-Utilities
-HOA fees (if applicable)
-Use and subletting
-Right to entry
-Repairs and maintenance
-Rules and regulations
-Pet policies

I know it’s a lot to take in, but take a deep breath; when first looking at a lease, the most important section is any fees like security deposits, rent payments, HOA fees and pet fees. Also, make sure you read through the entire document and understand everything covered. Ask your landlord or a lawyer any remaining questions you may have before signing.

Security, pet and utility fees and deposits are usually a one-time thing and if you take care of the property and follow all the rules, you should be able to get your deposit back.

Leave a good impression on your potential landlord(s)

Once you get past reading over the initial lease and decide it’s the right apartment for you, it’s time to impress your landlord! Usually when signing a lease, your potential landlord will ask you for a lot of information to make sure you’re the right person to rent their property.

Prior to move-in, your landlord may ask you for your credit score, background check, housing history, references, proof of employment, a co-signer or a deposit.

It’s a lot to take in and you’re probably thinking “I don’t have credit or rental history!” It’s OK; just be ready to show dates of employment and at least one reference from work.

Next, make sure you have proof of a checking and savings account, so you can prove you’re able to cover the first few months of your rent. If you’re having someone co-sign for you — which means you have a designated person that is obligated to help you if you are unable to pay rent —make sure you bring them with you to sign the lease.

Most of this will most likely be in the rental application. Be prepared to pay between $10 and $15 to run an accurate background or credit check and always make sure to keep a receipt of any fees, deposits or rent you pay!

What is renters insurance?

Although not required through all apartment complexes and property owners, renters insurance is an extremely important thing to have.

Renters insurance ensures you are covered in case anything happens while you are renting an apartment or house. It usually provides coverage for any lost, damaged or stolen possessions inside the residence.

Don’t forget to check the amenities that are provided

When moving into a new place, you don’t want to be surprised or disappointed by anything, so don’t forget to check what amenities are (or aren’t) included.

There are usually two main areas to pay attention to when looking for a potential place to live: You want to make sure everything you need is inside the apartment and that the apartment complex is exactly what you want it to be.

Around the complex make sure you look for:-Access for guests
-Outdoor space
-Parking
-Fitness center

Of course not all of those amenities are extremely necessary but it’s always nice to know that you have a place to sit outside and a place to work out!

Make sure you figure out how much your utilities will be or if they will be included in your rent. Some apartments, especially ones that are located next to college campuses, will often include your WiFi, water, electricity, A/C and sometimes even cable in your rent.

Moving in

When it’s time to move in, make sure to inspect your new house or apartment. You should write down any concerns or necessary repairs. This allows you to notify the landlord about the problems and get them fixed before you get charged for them.

Budgeting also comes with moving in; it’s important to keep track of your expenses so you know what you can and can’t afford while you are also paying your rent.

Event Details

Phoenix Fan Fusion is a family-friendly event where they invite enthusiasts of every fandom, geeks of all kinds, creators, artists, entertainers, cosplayers, fans, and friends to join their family and

Event Details

Phoenix Fan Fusion is a family-friendly event where they invite enthusiasts of every fandom, geeks of all kinds, creators, artists, entertainers, cosplayers, fans, and friends to join their family and experience what they embrace as their culture, our world, and our passions. There’s a bit of geek in us all. Come discover your inner geek at Phoenix Fan Fusion.

What to do at phoenix fan fusion

Make friends: meet like-minded people and make friends just like you. If you have a burning passion hotter than the intensity of 1000 suns, join thousands of fans just like you, share your passion, and explore new fandoms.

Dress up: from novice to expert to professional, costumes are a big part of Phoenix Fan Fusion. You should expect to see lots of popular characters from comic books, movies, and tv shows. So, dust off that old costume or put something new together and strut your stuff! If you’re not the cosplayer type, that’s okay too. Take in the sites, do a little “cosplay watching”, or ask one of our many costumed attendees for a quick picture to commemorate the day.

Celebrities: meet your favorite comic book authors and writers, movie and tv stars, pop culture icons, and fandom celebrities. Guest panels give you an opportunity to hear guests talk about past, current, and upcoming projects, and sometimes answer questions from the audience. Purchase a professional photo with you and a guest or buy an autographed photo.

Panels and events: join all the geek-themed fun during the countless hours of programming. From games, demonstrations, debates, meet-ups, crafts, costuming, workshops, contests, and signature events, there’s plenty to do during the weekend. Most panels are family-friendly and many are designed for kids and families.

Gaming: whether it’s playing arcade games, joining the multiple e-gaming tournaments, or jumping into a table top game, get your game on at Phoenix Fan Fusion. Spend some time in a virtual world, visit the gaming showcase to see new and upcoming games, or follow along with the live stream from inside the gaming hall. It’s a gamer’s paradise!

Phoenix Fan Fusion is 4 days of fun for geeks of all ages. Memorial day weekend, 2019 Phoenix Fan Fusion is the place to be. Discover your inner geek!

Time

23 (Thursday) 10:00 a.m. - 26 (Sunday) 5:00 p.m.

Location

Phoenix Convention Center

1000 N. Third Street, Phoenix.

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